The Archduke's Songbird-Chapter 185: An Ethereal Event

The air in the grand hall was thick with anticipation as the Primarch raised his hands, his voice echoing with solemn authority. "By the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife, the Archduke and Archduchess of Ayberia."

Everyone stood up and clapped for the couple.

As the words settled over the assembly, Jessamyn turned to Jerrick, her heart pounding in her chest. He stepped closer, his eyes filled with a mixture of pride, tenderness, and care that had weathered so many storms.

Their eyes locked, and in that moment, everything else faded away. Jerrick’s hand cupped her cheek, his thumb gently brushing against her skin.

"Happy Birthday, Jessamyn," he whispered. "I am grateful you’re born."

Jessamyn swallowed, unable to handle the surge of emotions rising from the bottom of her heart. She thought he had forgotten. Most of those around her had forgotten that it was her birthday, but he didn’t.

"My wife..." he muttered, his voice shaking, revealing the turbulence of his emotions.

He indeed was happy beyond measure. The day he only dreamed of in the past, had come to pass.

Jessamyn’s breath caught as he leaned in, their lips meeting in a kiss that was both gentle and passionate.

She clung to him, her hands resting against his chest, feeling the steady beat of his heart beneath her fingertips. Their hearts were beating in unison symbolizing the union of two souls that had been destined to find each other.

They broke the kiss, their foreheads still touching. They did the bow to the goddess and turned to face the congregation, the intimacy of their shared moment lingering in the air.

At that very instant, before they could bow to the King, a wonderous sight filled everyone with awe.

The grand stained-glass window behind the altar, depicting the founding members of the kingdom, suddenly brightened with the radiant glow of the full moon.

On a day that the people of Ayberia considered inauspicious, the Moon—the very symbol of Ayberia’s prosperity—rose behind the woman they generally deemed an ill omen.

That was not all.

The image of Lady Selene, the revered founder of Ayberia, seemed to come alive, her form merging with Jessamyn’s as the glow of the moon filled the temple.

Moonlight cast a luminous halo over Jessamyn’s head, her mesmerizing tiara sparkling like a crown of stars. The ethereal light danced across the intricate patterns of flowers and birds, illuminating the delicate branches of silver.

Lady Selene was considered an avatar of the moon goddess, revered as the Queen Mother, mother of all. The light was indeed auspicious. It was as if the goddess herself had bestowed her blessing upon Jessamyn, acknowledging her as the rightful Archduchess. 𝗳𝚛𝗲𝕖𝕨𝕖𝗯𝚗𝚘𝕧𝕖𝗹.𝗰𝗼𝕞

The crowd gasped in awe, the sacred moment filling the hall with a sense of reverence and wonder. This was not the first wedding to be held in the temple, but it was certainly the first time anyone had witnessed such a wondrous sight.

The ethereal glow bathed the hall in a serene, otherworldly light, casting an almost divine aura over the ceremony.

Jessamyn felt a surge of emotion, tears welling in her eyes as she gazed at the shimmering light. It was a sign, a divine affirmation.

Her eyes unconsciously ended at Jerrick. She didn’t know why she thought he could have caused this incredibly odd moment. Jerrick squeezed her hand, his eyes reflecting the same awe and wonder.

Even, he couldn’t control the moon, Jessamyn realized. She couldn’t believe she had such high expectations of him.

Together, they stood before their people, bathed in the celestial glow, their hearts intertwined with the legacy of Ayberia.

The image of Lady Selene and the radiant halo around Jessamyn symbolized the merging of past and present, a promise of a future filled with hope and prosperity.

Jessamyn’s eyes ended on Archon Erlan, whose eyes met with her with incredulity. But he looked behind her, his eyes calming down. The Primarch kneeled in front of the statue, followed by the Archons.

They had accepted it was an act of the goddess.

Jessamyn’s palms chilled as realization hit her. Jerrick’s hold in her hand tightened.

At that moment, Jessamyn knew that no matter the challenges they might face, they would face them together.

They bowed to the King who was out of it as usual. His eyes were wandering as if he wanted to leave. Jessamyn noticed the odd smirk on the face of the King’s mistress. The Crown Prince looked gracious, an expression she wouldn’t expect from him.

The Grand Duke had a wide smile, clapping and congratulating them. Isadora was beside the Grand Duke, acting the part of an elegant lady. Ethan was with his ladylove, bright and filled with pride.

And as the Primarch’s voice rose in a final benediction, Jessamyn and Jerrick, the newly anointed Archduke and Archduchess of Ayberia, stood united, ready to embrace their destiny.

Jerrick didn’t let go of her hand, his grip a comforting anchor in the midst of the overwhelming moment. Jessamyn didn’t have time to fully process the extraordinary events that had unfolded, but the odd shiver that ran through her heart told her that her life was about to change in ways she couldn’t yet comprehend.

She had a feeling that the silent and peaceful life she had once hoped for had slipped from her grasp long ago. There would be challenges ahead, more than she had ever imagined. But as she looked at Jerrick, she felt a glimmer of hope.

Maybe, just maybe, it wouldn’t be so bad if she had to face them with him. If he was by her side, perhaps she could handle it all.

The wedding party began, the hall filling with music and laughter. Jerrick offered her a glass of milk to break her fast, a gesture that touched her deeply. He seemed surprised that she had been fasting, and truth be told, so was she.

She didn’t think she could take this wedding seriously, and she did.

"Do you want to go to bed?" he asked gently, his eyes full of concern.

The nobles of Ayberia were known for their merriments that lasted throughout the night. If she waited for them to rest to find her own rest, he knew she wouldn’t get any sleep at all.

She had been clutching her head a lot of times. She wasn’t even dancing properly. He was concerned for her.

"Bed?" Jessamyn grimaced, her thoughts racing.

Bed? As in the wedding night? Isn’t he rushing, that too in front of others? What would others think if they heard it?